Just like people, the behaviors we see in our pets are the result of a combination of factors, including their genetic makeup, what they’ve learned through a variety of experiences during their lives and their current environment. Animals that find themselves at a shelter don’t understand why they are there, what will happen next, or how long they’ll be there.

These unknowns can be highly stressful, especially for adult animals and those generally fearful or anxious. We recognize that shelters can be stressful. We know that emotional health is as important as physical health. And we’re working toward a better future for our animals. For years, Anderson has been at the forefront of shelter animal behavior, ensuring that our animals stay emotionally healthy through playgroups, one-on-one interactions with staff and volunteers, and individual and group positive reinforcement training sessions.